Pharmaceutical composition and dosage form comprising dronedarone, and preparation method thereof

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration, containing, as active principle, a benzofuran derivative having antiarrhythmic activity, in particular dronedarone and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and at least one lipid carrier, said pharmaceutical composition being intended to be used in unit dosage form of the capsule type, in particular with a hard shell. This pharmaceutical composition and the dosage form comprising such a composition aim to limit the meal time effect following oral administration in humans. The lipid carrier allows: the solubilization of the active principle of the invention; and the shielding thereof from the negative effects of pH in the intestinal tract, thereby allowing same to be spared from the meal effect to a significant extent.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/887,562, filed May 6, 2013, which is a continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/FR2011/052622, filed Nov. 10, 2011, which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety; and claims priorityto French Patent Application No. 1059306, filed Nov. 10, 2010.

The present invention generally relates to a pharmaceutical compositionfor oral administration containing an active principle withantiarrhythmic activity. More precisely, the invention relates to asemi-solid or liquid pharmaceutical composition intended to be usedadvantageously in a dosage form of the capsule type, said compositioncomprising at least one benzofuran derivative, as active principle, withantiarrhythmic activity and at least one lipid excipient.

The present invention also relates to a method of preparing a dosageform of this kind based on said pharmaceutical composition and alsorelates to the therapeutic application of said composition or of saiddosage form.

“Benzofuran derivative with antiarrhythmic activity” denotes, in thecontext of the present invention, a benzofuran compound selected fromthose described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,248,401, U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,510 andEP 338746 as well as in patent applications WO 88/07996, WO 89/02892, WO90/02743 and WO 94/29289.

Among these compounds, we may mention,2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranor dronedarone and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereofdescribed in patent EP1315709 as well as2-n-butyl-3-(3,5-diiodo-4-diethylaminoethoxybenzoyl)benzofuran oramiodarone and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof describedin U.S. Pat. No. 3,248,401.

Advantageously, the benzofuran derivative with antiarrhythmic activityis selected from dronedarone or2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranof formula (D) in the form of free base shown below and its derivatives,such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts described hereunder.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” means a salt which is not toxic tothe individual to whom it is administered when it is administered atstandard doses. Thus, as pharmaceutically acceptable salts ofdronedarone we may mention for example2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranhydrochloride,2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranfumarate and2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranoxalate.

The antiarrhythmic compounds used in the context of the invention,notably dronedarone and amiodarone, in the form of base, or saltsthereof, in particular the hydrochloride salts thereof, arecharacterized by low solubility in aqueous media, which constitutes amajor drawback for making the active principle available by the oralroute. Thus, these antiarrhythmic compounds have low solubility insimulated gastric medium (3 mg/ml at pH=1.5) and very low solubility insimulated intestinal medium (1 μg/ml at pH=6.5).

As an example, the solubility curve of dronedarone hydrochloride at roomtemperature and as a function of the pH shows maximum solubility ofabout 1 to 2 mg/ml around pH of 3 to 5, but very low solubility at pH ofthe order of 6 to 7, since it is no more than 10 μg/ml at pH=7. As foramiodarone hydrochloride, its solubility, at room temperature, is from0.3 to 0.9 mg/ml in the pH range from 3 to 4 and a few μg/ml at pH=7.Thus, it is possible to dissolve 400 mg of dronedarone hydrochloride in200 ml of aqueous medium buffered at pH=4 (0.1M NaH₂PO₄ aqueoussolution). In contrast, in this medium diluted to 1/10 with an aqueoussolution buffered at pH=7 (0.1M Na₂HPO₄ aqueous solution), dronedaronehydrochloride is precipitated (final pH of the medium=6.7). As thesesolubility conditions are similar to those recorded in thegastrointestinal tract, it can be assumed that, in the stomach,dronedarone hydrochloride will be subject to acidic conditions favorableto its dissolution, but once it enters the intestine, it will incontrast encounter a medium with pH between 6 and 7, i.e. anonsolubilizing medium, in which it risks being precipitated.

Now, it is mainly in the intestine that absorption of the activeprinciple takes place, and it is now well known that administration bythe oral route requires optimal maintenance of the active principle insolution, in the hope of obtaining sufficient permeation along thegastrointestinal tract, and therefore acceptable exposure, for asignificant therapeutic effect.

Taking into account the problem of solubility and bioavailability, adosage form has been developed and is currently on the market, in theform of a film-coated tablet of 426 mg of dronedarone hydrochloride,equivalent to 400 mg of dronedarone, sold under the trade name Multaq®,for which the recommended dosage for adults is one tablet twice dailyand this must be taken with a meal for ensuring optimal action of saidactive principle.

In fact, from the standpoint of pharmacokinetics, after oraladministration with a meal, dronedarone is absorbed well (at least 70%).However, owing to presystemic first-pass metabolism, the absolutebioavailability of this medicinal product (taken with food) is no morethan 15%. The concomitant consumption of food multiplies thebioavailability of the product by a factor of 2 to 4 relative to takingthe medicine without simultaneous ingestion of food. After oraladministration with a meal, the peak plasma concentrations ofdronedarone and of its main circulating active metabolite (N-debutylatedmetabolite) are reached in 3 to 6 hours. The pharmacokinetics ofdronedarone and of its N-debutylated metabolite deviate moderately fromthe rule of proportionality to dose: doubling the dose leads to anincrease in Cmax and AUC by a factor of about 2.5 to 3.0.

Now, it is of course preferable for a patient to be able to havetherapeutic treatment without the constraint of taking medicine with orwithout a meal, quite particularly in the area of the treatment ofdisorders of cardiac rhythm, especially arrhythmias.

The development of a pharmaceutical composition for oral administrationof an active principle with antiarrhythmic activity, capable ofproducing acceptable bioavailability, regardless of whether or not foodis ingested concomitantly, i.e. a composition involving a limited mealeffect to be effective, is therefore still of considerable interest.

A new pharmaceutical composition has now been found, quite surprisinglyand unexpectedly, allowing oral administration of at least oneantiarrhythmia active principle, advantageously2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranor a derivative of the latter, for example a salt thereof, without thedrawbacks mentioned above. This composition, comprising at least oneactive principle incorporated in a matrix consisting of the otheringredients of said composition, in particular the other excipients,proves sufficiently stable and has suitable solubility for surviving inthe gastrointestinal tract until it reaches the site of absorption. Thiscomposition can, moreover, be taken on an empty stomach or with a snackor even a low-fat meal and in one or more doses.

The present invention thus relates to a pharmaceutical composition fororal administration of an active principle with antiarrhythmic activity,such as for example2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuran(i) in the form of base, (ii) in the form of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, characterized in that it comprises, besides said activeprinciple, at least one amphiphilic lipid excipient with HLB valuebetween 2 and 20.

The present invention thus relates to a pharmaceutical composition fororal administration of an active principle with antiarrhythmic activity,such as for example2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuran(i) in the form of base, (ii) in the form of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, characterized in that it comprises, besides said activeprinciple, at least one amphiphilic lipid excipient with HLB valuebetween 1 and 20.

Said composition according to the invention can be in a dosage form ofthe capsule type or semi-solid or liquid capsule. In fact, it canadvantageously be packaged in a dosage form of the capsule type, evenmore advantageously of the hard capsule type.

The following terms are used in the context of the present invention:

-   -   Capsule, a dosage form with a hard or soft shell;    -   Hard capsule, a capsule with a hard shell, having two parts: a        part called the body and a part called the cap;    -   Bioavailability, a term used for describing a pharmacokinetic        property of medicinal products, namely the fraction of a dose        that reaches the bloodstream. It evaluates the amount of        medicinal product absorbed that reaches the bloodstream and the        rate of absorption of said medicinal product;    -   Active principle, any substance possessing a therapeutic effect,        for example an antiarrhythmic effect. In the context of the        invention, it is in particular any benzofuran derivative with        antiarrhythmic activity, defined below, in particular        dronedarone in the form of base, in the form of pharmaceutically        acceptable salts of addition to organic or inorganic acids. Said        salts can be prepared with pharmaceutically acceptable acids,        but the salts of other acids that can be used, for example, for        purification or isolation of the compounds of formula (I) also        form part of the invention.    -   Excipient, any substance that is inactive or inert with respect        to a living organism, in contrast to the active principle, and        which facilitates the preparation and administration of a        medicinal product;    -   Lipid excipient, any excipient known by a person skilled in the        art as a lipid solvent, advantageously amphiphilic, having an        HLB value (term defined below), which according to the invention        is below 20 and above 1;    -   Matrix, all the ingredients other than the active principle or        principles of the composition according to the invention, in        particular the excipients;    -   HLB value, the value of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance,        according to the classification developed by Griffin, which is        well known by a person skilled in the art;    -   Surfactant, an excipient, which through its amphiphilic        properties facilitates the wetting of powders, improves        solubility/dissolution and/or slows reprecipitation;    -   Co-solvent, any solvent improving the feasibility of the method        of manufacture of the composition according to the invention on        the basis of the key parameters of viscosity and melting point        of the matrix of said composition as well as dissolution or        dispersion of the active principle in said matrix;    -   Diluent, an excipient used for obtaining a sufficient volume of        composition for manufacturing a dosage form, for example a hard        capsule, of the desired size and possessing suitable physical        characteristics for the method of manufacture selected for the        hard capsule;    -   Disintegrant, an excipient that provides satisfactory        disintegration of the dosage form and therefore disintegration        of the active principle in the stomach by increasing the        friability and by reducing the hardness of the dosage form;    -   Antiadherent, an excipient intended to prevent the particles        sticking to one another and to the manufacturing equipment        during manufacture of the dosage form, for example when filling        the capsules.    -   Lubricant, an excipient intended to facilitate the steps in        manufacture of the dosage form, owing to their role in sliding,        i.e. consisting of increasing the flowability of the particles        in the pipework of the machines;    -   Plasticizer, an excipient intended to permit constant release of        the active principle from the dosage form by being interposed        between the polymer chains and by allowing them to slide        relative to one other. It is selected in relation to its        solubility.

Among the compositions according to the invention, we may mention afirst group of pharmaceutical compositions comprising:

-   -   1-60 wt % of at least one active principle according to the        invention, advantageously between 1 and 50%, even more        advantageously between 10 and 45%, even better between 20% and        40%;    -   40-99 wt % of at least one lipid excipient according to the        invention, advantageously between 45 and 80%, even more        advantageously between 50% and 60%,    -   0-30 wt % of at least one compound selected from surfactants,        co-solvents, diluents, disintegrants, lubricants, organic or        inorganic bases and plasticizers, advantageously from 1 to 20%,        even better from 1 to 10%,        the percentages being expressed by weight relative to the total        weight of said composition.

Among the compositions according to the invention, we may mention asecond group of pharmaceutical compositions comprising:

-   -   1-60 wt % of at least one active principle according to the        invention, advantageously between 1 and 50%, even more        advantageously between 10 and 45%, even better between 20% and        40%;    -   37-99 wt % of at least one lipid excipient according to the        invention, advantageously between 45 and 80%, even more        advantageously between 45% and 55%,    -   0-30 wt % of at least one compound selected from surfactants,        co-solvents, diluents, disintegrants, lubricants, organic or        inorganic bases and plasticizers, advantageously from 1 to 20%,        even better from 1 to 10%,        the percentages being expressed by weight relative to the total        weight of said composition.

Among the compositions according to the invention, we may mention athird group of pharmaceutical compositions comprising:

-   -   1-60 wt % of at least one active principle according to the        invention, advantageously between 1 and 50%, even more        advantageously between 10 and 45%, even better between 20% and        40%;    -   40-99 wt % of at least one lipid excipient according to the        invention, advantageously between 45 and 80%, even more        advantageously between 50% and 60%,    -   0-30 wt % of at least one surfactant, advantageously between 1%        and 20%, even more advantageously between 5% and 15%, and    -   0-29 wt % of at least one co-solvent, advantageously between 1        and 20%, even more advantageously between 2 and 15%;        the percentages being expressed by weight relative to the total        weight of said composition. The total of the compositions comes        to 100 wt %.

Among the compositions according to the invention, we may mention afourth group of pharmaceutical compositions comprising:

-   -   1-60 wt % of at least one active principle according to the        invention, advantageously between 1 and 50%, even more        advantageously between 10 and 45%, even better between 20% and        40%;    -   37-99 wt % of at least one lipid excipient according to the        invention, advantageously between 45 and 80%, even more        advantageously between 50% and 60%,    -   0-30 wt % of at least one surfactant, advantageously between 1%        and 20%, even more advantageously between 5% and 10%, and    -   0-29 wt % of at least one co-solvent, advantageously between 1        and 20%, even more advantageously between 2 and 15%;        the percentages being expressed by weight relative to the total        weight of said composition. The total of the compositions comes        to 100 wt %.

Among the compositions according to the invention, we may mention afifth group of pharmaceutical compositions comprising:

-   -   60-200 wt % of at least one lipid excipient according to the        invention, advantageously between 120 and 180%, even more        advantageously 180%    -   0-30 wt % of at least one surfactant, advantageously between 5%        and 30%, even more advantageously between 10% and 30%,    -   0-30 wt % of at least one co-solvent, advantageously between 1        and 20%;        the percentages being expressed by weight relative to the total        weight of the active principle.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention comprise atleast one active principle with antiarrhythmic activity and at least onelipid excipient.

Among the active principles with antiarrhythmic activity according tothe invention, we may mention2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranin the form of base or dronedarone and the pharmaceutically acceptablesalts thereof described in patent EP1315709.

As pharmaceutically acceptable salts, we may mention for example2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranhydrochloride,2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranfumarate and2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranoxalate.

Advantageously, the composition according to the invention comprises2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranor2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranhydrochloride as active principle.

According to one variant, dissolution of the active principle in itsbase form can be obtained starting from pharmaceutically acceptablesalts of dronedarone, as mentioned above, and by reforming the activeprinciple in its base form in situ by change of pH with an organic orinorganic base.

The compositions according to the invention comprising at least onepharmaceutically acceptable salt of dronedarone, and further comprisingat least one organic or inorganic base, advantageously in stoichiometricmolar amount relative to the active principle in the form of base, formpart of the present invention.

As a guide, the nature of the base that can be used in the compositioncan be organic, for example ethanolamine, or mineral such as for examplesoda or potash. Advantageously, it is soda.

The active principle or principles according to the invention is or arepresent in the composition according to the invention in a proportion inthe range 1-60 wt %, advantageously between 1 and 50%, even moreadvantageously between 10 and 45%, even better between 20% and 40 wt %relative to the total weight of the composition.

The lipid excipient is an amphiphilic lipid excipient with HLB valuebetween 1 and 20 and whose melting point is below 50° C.

The lipid excipient is an amphiphilic lipid excipient with HLB valuebetween 2 and 20 and whose melting point is below 50° C.

A distinction is made between amphiphilic excipients that are semi-solidat room temperature and amphiphilic excipients that are liquid at roomtemperature.

The lipid excipient according to the invention can be selected from:

-   -   semi-solid substituted glycerides,    -   liquid substituted glycerides,    -   semi-solid substituted polyoxylglycerides,    -   liquid substituted polyoxylglycerides,    -   and mixtures thereof.        We may mention, for example, a group in which the lipid        excipient is selected from:    -   as semi-solid substituted glycerides according to the invention,        the Gelucires marketed for example under the brand name        Gelucire® 33/01, Gelucire® 39/01, Gelucire® 43/01 and Geleol®,        Peceol™,    -   as liquid substituted glycerides according to the invention,        those marketed for example under the name Labrafac Lipophile®        WL1349,    -   as semi-solid substituted polyoxylglycerides according to the        invention, the Gelucire marketed for example under the brand        name Gelucire®44/14, Gelucire®50/13,    -   as liquid substituted polyoxylglycerides according to the        invention, those marketed for example under the brand name        Labrafir®M1944CS, Labrafir®M2125CS, Labrafir®M2130CS and        Labrasol®.

We may mention, for example, another group in which the lipid excipientis selected from semi-solid substituted polyoxylglycerides according tothe invention, the commercially available Gelucire, more particularlythe lauroyl macroglyceride marketed under the brand name Gelucire®44/14.

When the active principle is in the form of a salt, the composition canbe in the form of a dispersion of said solid active principle in a solidmatrix at room temperature in the case when a semi-solid lipid excipientis used in a sufficient amount or in the form of a dispersion of a solidin an oil at room temperature in the case when a liquid lipid excipientis used in a sufficient amount, the solubility of said active principlein the composition being moreover a function of the pH of the medium inwhich the composition is contained.

The amphiphilic lipid excipient, semi-solid at room temperature, of thecomposition according to the invention, has the advantage of permittinga solid dispersion or hot dissolution of the active principle in thematrix of said composition and of facilitating dissolving of the activeprinciple on dissolution of the matrix in the gastric and/or intestinalaqueous environment.

The amphiphilic lipid excipient, liquid at room temperature, of thecomposition according to the invention, has the advantage offacilitating dissolving of the active principle in the gastric and/orintestinal aqueous environment.

Advantageously, the composition according to the invention comprises atleast one amphiphilic lipid excipient, having an HLB value between 5 and18.

The amphiphilic lipid excipients, with HLB value between 5 and 18,according to the invention, can be selected from the group comprising:

-   -   the medium-chain mono- and diglycerides, for example Capmul MOM®        (HLB value between 5.5 and 6), marketed by the company Abitec,    -   propylene glycol monolaurate, for example Lauroglycol® 90 (HLB        value equal to 5) and Capmul PG12®, marketed by the companies        Gattefosse and Abitec respectively,    -   the caprylocaproyl macrogol-8 glycerides, for example Labrasol®        (HLB value equal to 14), marketed by the company Gattefosse,    -   the lauroyl macrogolglycerides, for example Gelucire® 44/14 (HLB        value equal to 14) and Gelucire® 50/13 (HLB value equal to 13),        marketed by the company Gattefosse,    -   propylene glycol caprylic acid monoester, for example Capmul®        PG-8 (HLB value equal to 6), marketed by the company Abitec,    -   and mixtures thereof.

More particularly, the amphiphilic lipid excipient with HLB valuebetween 5 and 18 is selected from the group comprising Capmul MOM®,Lauroglycol® 90, Capmul PG12®, Labrasol®, Gelucire® 44/14, Gelucire®50/13, Capmul® PG-8, and mixtures thereof.

According to one embodiment, the lipid excipients according to theinvention are selected from the amphiphilic lipid excipients, having anHLB value between 12 and 18.

The lipid excipient or excipients according to the invention is or arepresent in the composition according to the invention in a proportion inthe range 40-99 wt %, advantageously between 45 and 80%, even moreadvantageously between 50% and 60 wt % relative to the total weight ofthe composition.

The lipid excipient or excipients according to the invention is or arepresent in the composition according to the invention in a proportion inthe range 37-99 wt %, advantageously between 45 and 80%, even moreadvantageously between 50% and 60 wt % relative to the total weight ofthe composition.

The lipid excipient or excipients according to the invention is or arepresent in the composition according to the invention in a proportion inthe range 100-200 wt %, advantageously between 110 and 180%, even moreadvantageously between 50% and 60 wt % relative to the total weight ofthe active principle.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention can furthercomprise at least one surfactant and/or at least one co-solvent.

The surfactant is advantageously hydrophilic and/or nonionic. It can beselected from:

-   -   ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers, called poloxamers        hereinafter, such as poloxamer 124 marketed under the brand name        SYNPERONIC PE/L44; poloxamer 188 marketed under the brand name        PLURONIC F68 or SYNPERONIC PE/F68; poloxamer 237 marketed under        the brand name PLURONIC F87 or SYNPERONIC PE/F87; poloxamer 338        marketed under the brand name SYNPERONIC PE/F108 or poloxamer        407 marketed under the brand name PLURONIC F127, SYNPERONIC        PE/F127 or LUTROL F127;    -   polyethoxylated castor oils, such as those marketed under the        brand name CREMOPHOR RH40;    -   ethoxylated polysorbates, such as polysorbate 20, polysorbate        40, polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80 marketed respectively        under the brand names TWEEN 20, TWEEN 40, TWEEN 60, and TWEEN        80; and    -   polyethylene hydroxystearates, such as polyethylene        hydroxystearate 660 marketed under the brand name SOLUTOL HS15.

More particularly, the surfactant can be selected from:

-   -   ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers, called poloxamers        hereinafter, such as poloxamer 124 marketed under the brand name        SYNPERONIC PE/L44; poloxamer 188 marketed under the brand name        PLURONIC F68 or SYNPERONIC PE/F68; or poloxamer 407 marketed        under the brand name PLURONIC F127, SYNPERONIC PE/F127 or LUTROL        F127;    -   polyethoxylated castor oils, such as those marketed under the        brand name CREMOPHOR RH40;    -   ethoxylated polysorbates, such as polysorbate 60 marketed under        the brand name TWEEN 60; and    -   polyethylene hydroxystearates, such as polyethylene        hydroxystearate 660 marketed under the brand name SOLUTOL HS15.

Advantageously, the surfactant or surfactants according to the inventionis or are selected from the ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymerscalled poloxamers, even more advantageously it is poloxamer 407.

Said surfactant can be present in the composition according to theinvention at a rate from 0% to 30 wt % relative to the total weight ofsaid composition, advantageously between 1% and 20 wt %, even moreadvantageously from 5% to 15 wt % of surfactant.

Said surfactant can be present in the composition according to theinvention at a rate of 0-30 wt % of at least one surfactant,advantageously between 5% and 20%, even more advantageously between 10%and 20%, by weight relative to the total weight of active principle.

The co-solvent according to the invention can be selected from thealcoholic organic solvents or the glycol derivatives.

We may mention as co-solvent:

-   -   alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol for example;    -   propylene glycol and derivatives thereof, optionally        substituted, such as those marketed under the brand name        Labrafac® PG, Lauroglycol™ 90, Lauroglycol™ FCC, Capryol™ 90,        Capryol™ PGMC.

Said co-solvent can be present in the pharmaceutical compositionaccording to the invention at a rate from 0% to 29 wt % relative to thetotal weight of said composition, advantageously between 1% and 20 wt %,even more advantageously from 2% to 15 wt % of co-solvent.

Said co-solvent can be present in the pharmaceutical compositionaccording to the invention at a rate of 0-30 wt % of at least oneco-solvent, advantageously between 1 and 20%, by weight relative to thetotal weight of active principle.

According to one embodiment, the co-solvent is a glycol derivative,substituted and/or at a content below 29 wt % relative to the totalweight of said composition, advantageously the co-solvent is propyleneglycol and/or at a content of about 20 wt %.

According to one embodiment, the co-solvent is a glycol derivative,substituted and/or at a content below 30 wt % relative to the totalweight of active principle, advantageously the co-solvent is propyleneglycol and/or at a content of about 20 wt % relative to the total weightof the active principle.

According to one embodiment, the composition according to the inventioncomprises:

-   -   2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuran        or        2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuran        hydrochloride in the form of base, as active principle,        and/or    -   at least one semi-solid lipid excipient with HLB between 1 and        20, advantageously between 5 and 18, even more advantageously        between 12 and 18, advantageously selected from the semi-solid        substituted glycerides and the semi-solid substituted        polyoxylglycerides, advantageously it is Gelucire®44/14,        and/or    -   at least one surfactant, advantageously selected from the        ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers called poloxamers,        even more advantageously it is poloxamer 407,        and optionally at least one co-solvent as defined above.

This pharmaceutical composition is in a liquid or semi-solid form, i.e.of a pasty consistency, depending on the consistency and nature of theexcipient or excipients used, among others of the lipid excipient, atroom temperature. A lipid or semi-solid excipient at room temperaturewill give rise to the formation of a semi-solid matrix and therefore toa composition according to the invention of a pasty consistency whereasa lipid excipient that is liquid at room temperature will give rise tothe formation of a liquid matrix and therefore to a compositionaccording to the invention of a liquid consistency.

Thus, in the case when the lipid excipient according to the invention isselected from the lipid or semi-solid excipients, the compositionaccording to the invention can be prepared by employing known methodsfor solubilization or cold or hot solid dispersion in the lipidexcipient forming a lipid matrix. The manufacture of the compositionconsists, for example, of dissolving or dispersing the active principleaccording to the invention and optionally other excipients according tothe invention, in said lipid excipient at a temperature from about 30°C. to 60° C., for example a temperature of about 44° C., saidtemperature being selected as a function of the melting point of saidlipid excipient used.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the method ofmanufacturing the composition according to the invention consists ofdissolving the active principle, advantageously2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranin the form of base, at about 44° C. in the lipid excipient,advantageously lauryl macroglycerides, for example Gelucire® 44/14.

In the case when the lipid excipient, according to the invention, isselected from the liquid lipid excipients, the composition according tothe invention can be prepared by employing known methods of dissolvingor dispersing the active principle in the lipid excipient, forming alipid matrix that is liquid at room temperature.

The methods of preparing the pharmaceutical compositions according tothe invention are carried out by the conventional techniques known by aperson skilled in the art.

The liquid or semi-solid pharmaceutical composition according to theinvention, thus obtained, can then be incorporated in a hard capsule, asit is. Encapsulation is carried out according to the conventionalmethods of encapsulation, taking into account the physicochemicalconstraints of said composition and of said method.

Said composition can optionally be transformed into powders, which canbe granulated or optionally can be incorporated in capsules or used asthey are.

The invention thus also relates to a dosage form comprising apharmaceutical composition according to the invention.

This dosage form can be in the form of a capsule containing thecomposition according to the invention or optionally in the form ofpowders or granules that can be supplied in multidose containers or inthe form of unit doses such as packets or sachets.

Capsules are solid preparations consisting of a hard or soft shell, ofvariable shape and capacity, generally containing a unit dose of activeprinciple. The shell is based on gelatin or other natural or syntheticsubstances whose consistency can be adjusted by adding for exampleglycerol or sorbitol. Other excipients such as surfactants, opacifiers,antimicrobial preservatives, sweeteners, colorants and/or flavorings canalso be added to the composition of the capsule shells.

We may mention as capsules: hard capsules, soft shell capsules, entericcapsules and modified-release capsules.

Advantageously, the dosage form according to the invention is a hardcapsule.

The method of manufacture of hard capsules comprising a body and a capconsists of (i) preparing the composition according to the invention bymixing the ingredients as defined above and then (ii) filling the capand/or body parts of the capsule by volumetric distribution by a methodthat is suitable for powders (compressing/metering apparatus, a levelingmethod, a method with alternating leveling and packing or tamping, anendless-screw method or a method of cell metering) or for semi-solids(casting of the molten or liquid product), and finally closing thecapsules by joining together the parts forming the cap and body of saidcapsule.

In the case of soft capsules the liquid preparation is poured at thesame time as the capsule is formed in the dies according to theconventional method of manufacture.

As a nonlimiting guide, the amount of active principle can vary from 50to 500 mg per dosage unit such as for example (i) a capsule,advantageously a hard capsule, or (ii) a sachet of powders, or granules,and the amount of lipid excipient between 0.5 and 100 mg. Preferably, adosage form according to the invention, for example a hard capsule, cancomprise from 200 to 400 mg of active principle.

The pharmaceutical composition according to the invention and the dosageform comprising said composition aim to limit the meal effect after oraladministration in humans. The lipid excipient makes it possible on theone hand to solubilize the active principle according to the inventionand on the other hand to protect it from the negative effects of the pHin the intestinal tract, thus permitting significant avoidance of themeal effect. The presence of a surfactant, for example poloxamer, insaid composition makes it possible to limit the reprecipitation andagglomeration of the active principle while in the gastrointestinaltract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the dissolution curves of hard capsules according to theinvention (Hard Capsules G1 to Hard Capsules G6), of a comparativereference hard capsule and of a comparative tablet with 10% ofpoloxamer, all these formulations containing active principle accordingto the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the dissolution curves of hard capsules according to theinvention (Capsules G4 to Capsules G8), all these formulationscontaining active principle according to the invention.

FIG. 3 shows the dissolution curves of hard capsules according to theinvention (Capsules G1, G3, G9), all these formulations containingactive principle according to the invention.

FIG. 4 shows the dissolution curves of hard capsules according to theinvention (Capsules G5, G10, G13), all these formulations containingactive principle according to the invention.

FIG. 5 shows the dissolution curves of hard capsules according to theinvention (Capsules G1, G9, G11, G12), all these formulations containingactive principle according to the invention.

FIG. 6 shows the dissolution curves of hard capsules according to theinvention (Capsules G1, G22, G24, G26, G28), all these formulationscontaining active principle according to the invention.

FIG. 7 shows the dissolution curves of hard capsules according to theinvention (Capsules G5, G23, G25, G27, G29), all these formulationscontaining active principle according to the invention.

These curves express the percentage by weight of active principlereleased as a function of time, expressed in minutes. The vertical lineshown in bold at 60 min marks the moment when an alkaline solution ofNaOH is added to the simulated gastric medium in order to simulate anintestinal medium.

EXAMPLES

Table A below shows the solubility of dronedarone hydrochloride and ofdronedarone base form in lipid excipients according to the invention.

TABLE A Solubility (mg/ml) Dronedarone Dronedarone Excipients HLBHydrochloride Base Temp. Oleic acid — — >341.4  RT Capmul PG8 5 10.04517.1 RT Captex 355 — 0.0353 166.7 RT Cremophor RH 40 14  14.77 >312.7 55° C. Crodamol EO — 153.5 RT (ethyl oleate) ethanol NA >500*   RTGelucire 44/14 14  632.6 55° C. Gelucire 43/01 1 0.0445 259.0 55° C.Gelucire 33/01 1 0.0962 371.3 55° C. sweet almond oil 1 —  45.2 RTsoybean oil 1 0.0231 60.7*/87.7 RT Lipophilic Labrafac 1 0.0251 128.7 RTLabrafac PG 2 0.0416 183.6 RT Labrafil M1944Cs 4 0.5041 208.5*/192.6 RTLabrasol 14  >400*   RT Labrasol ALF 14  4.84 401.3 RT Lauroglycol 90 42.09 310.6 RT Miglyol 812N 1 0.0409 143.5*/141.6 RT PEG 400 NA 13.2*273.1*/280.1 RT propylene glycol NA 15.8*  18.2* RT Co-solvents

Compositions according to the invention were manufactured, with thecomposition shown in detail in Tables 1, 3 and 4 below.

Comparative compositions, not according to the invention, weremanufactured with the composition detailed in Table 2 below. The amountsof compounds used for making said compositions are expressed in mg insaid Tables 1 and 2.

“-” signifies absence of the composition.“QS” signifies in sufficient quantity.“HCl Salt” signifies dronedarone hydrochloride.“Base” signifies dronedarone base form.“Pol.” signifies “poloxamer”.“Geluc.” signifies “Gelucire”.“Crem. RH40” signifies “Cremophor RH40)”

TABLE 1 EX 1 EX 2 EX 3 EX 4 EX 5 EX 6 Ingredients (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg)(mg) (mg) Dronedarone in the form of 213.0 213.0  213.0 — — —hydrochloride Dronedarone in the form of — — — 200.0 200.0 200.0 baseLauroyl macrogolglycerides 357.0 343.7  237.0 343.7 357.0 237.0(Gelucire 44/14) Poloxamer 407  60.0 60.0 —  60.0  60.0 — Sodiumhydroxide* — 14.4 — — — — Distilled water* — 38.9 —  38.9 — — Propyleneglycol  40.0 — — —  40.0 — Total weight (mg) 670.0 670.0  450.0 642.6657.0 437.0 Dosage form Hard capsule G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 *corresponds toan aqueous solution at 27% sodium hydroxideThe composition diluted to one part per hundred of these formulations G1to G6 and of other formulations according to the invention is expressedin Tables 3 and 4 below.

TABLE 3 Composition diluted to one part per hundred relative to thetotal formula % % of propylene active principle % of glycol Hard capsule(eq base) % of Gelucire surfactant (SA) (co-solvent) G1 30 53 9 (Pol.407) 6 (HCl salt) (Geluc.44/14) G2 30 51 9 (Pol. 407) 0 (HCl salt)(Geluc.44/14) G3 44 53 0 0 (HCl salt) (Geluc.44/14) G4 31 53 9 (Pol.407)0 (Base) (Geluc.44/14) G5 30 54 9 (Pol.407) 6 (Base) (Geluc.44/14) G6 4654 0 0 (Base) (Geluc.44/14) G7 63 37 0 0 (400 mg base) (Geluc.44/14) G836 64 0 0 (200 mg base) (Geluc.44/14) G9 33 59 0 7 (=G1 without SA) (HClsalt) (Geluc.44/14) G10 34 60 0 7 (=G5 without SA) (Base) (Geluc.44/14)G11 32 58 2 (Pol.407) 6 (=G1 with 5% SA) (HCl salt) (Geluc.44/14) G12 3257 3 (Pol.407) 6 (=G1 with 10% SA) (HCl salt) (Geluc.44/14) G13 32 58 3(Pol.407) 6 (=G5 with 10% SA) (Base) (Geluc.44/14) G14 30 53 9 6 (HClsalt) (Geluc.33/01) G15 30 54 9 6 (base) (Geluc.33/01) G16 33 59 0 7(HCl salt) (Geluc.33/01) G17 34 60 0 7 (base) (Geluc.33/01) G18 30 53 96 (HCl salt) (Geluc.43/01) G19 30 54 9 6 (base) (Geluc.43/01) G20 33 590 7 (HCl salt) (Geluc.43/01) G21 34 60 0 7 (base) (Geluc.43/01) G22 3053 9 6 (HCl salt) (Geluc.44/14) (Pol.188) G23 30 54 9 6 (base)(Geluc.44/14) (Pol.188) G24 30 53 9 6 (HCl salt) (Geluc.44/14) (Crem.RH40) G25 30 54 9 6 (base) (Geluc.44/14) (Crem. RH40) G26 30 53 9 6 (HClsalt) (Geluc.44/14) (Pluronic L44) G27 30 54 9 6 (base) (Geluc.44/14)(Pluronic L44) G28 30 54 9 6 (HCl salt) (Geluc.44/14) (Tween 60) G29 3054 9 6 (base) (Geluc.44/14) (Tween 60)

TABLE 4 Composition diluted to one part per hundred relative to theactive principle % of propylene glycol Hard capsule % of Gelucire % ofsurfactant (co-solvent) G1 179 30 (Pol.407) 20 (Geluc.44/14) G2 172 30(Pol.407) 0 (Geluc.44/14) G3 119  0 0 (Geluc.44/14) G4 172 30 (Pol.407)0 (Geluc.44/14) G5 179 30 (Pol.407) 20 (Geluc.44/14) G6 119  0 0(Geluc.44/14) G7  59  0 0 (Geluc.44/14) G8 179  0 0 (Geluc.44/14) G9 179 0 20 (=G1 without (Geluc.44/14) SA) G10 179  0 20 (=G5 without(Geluc.44/14) SA) G11 179  5 (Pol.407) 20 (=G1 with 5% (Geluc.44/14) SA)G12 179 10 (Pol.407) 20 (=G1 with (Geluc.44/14) 10% SA) G13 179 10(Pol.407) 20 (=G5 with (Geluc.44/14) 10% SA) G14 179 30 (Pol.407) 20(Geluc. 33/01) G15 179 30 (Pol.407) 20 (Geluc. 33/01) G16 179  0 20(Geluc. 33/01) G17 179  0 20 (Geluc. 33/01) G18 179 30 (Pol.407) 20(Geluc. 43/01) G19 179 30 (Pol.407) 20 (Geluc. 43/01) G20 179  0 20(Geluc. 43/01) G21 179  0 20 (Geluc. 43/01) G22 179 30 (Pol.188) 20(Geluc.44/14) G23 179 30 (Pol.188) 20 (Geluc.44/14) G24 179 30(Cremophor RH40) 20 (Geluc.44/14) G25 179 30 (Cremophor RH40) 20(Geluc.44/14) G26 179 30 (Pluronic L44) 20 (Geluc.44/14) G27 179 30(Pluronic L44) 20 (Geluc.44/14) G28 179 30 (Tween 60) 20 (Geluc.44/14)G29 179 30 (Tween 60) 20 (Geluc.44/14)

Opaque white capsules of size 0 were then manufactured using thecompositions from the examples given below and using comparativecomposition 2 for obtaining hard capsules G1-G29 according to theinvention and a hard capsule not according to the invention, i.e.reference hard capsule. Comparative composition 1, not according to theinvention, was used for making a tablet that is not according to theinvention.

TABLE 2 Comparative Comparative Composition 1 Composition 2 Ingredients(mg) (mg) Dronedarone in the 426 213 form of hydrochloridepregelatinized 60.0 86.2 starch lactose EFC QS 129.2 talc — 48.0colloidal silica 2.4 1.2 magnesium 6.0 2.4 stearate Hypromellose 12.0 —6 mPa · s crospovidone 30.0 — Poloxamer40 40 — Total weight (mg) 640 480Dosage form Tablet 10% Reference hard capsule

The equipment required for making the compositions and the hardcapsules, for which the procedures are described below, is as follows:Magnetic stirrer, Beaker, Precision balance adjusted to the amountweighed, Sieve 0.315 mm, Water bath, Gilson Pipette 1000 μL piston-type,Capsuling machine.

Moreover, the Gelucire 44/14 used for making the compositions is stovedat 55° C. in the evening of the day before manufacture. Homogenizationis done manually by inverting the pot.

Manufacture of Hard Capsule G1: Procedure:

-   -   Weigh the Gelucire® 44/14 previously melted in the beaker used        for manufacture,    -   Sieve the dronedarone in the form of hydrochloride at 0.315 mm        mesh before weighing,    -   Melt and mix the Gelucire® 44/14 and poloxamer 407, stirring        slowly at a stirrer speed of 200 rpm for about 10 min at a water        bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   Add the propylene glycol at a stirrer speed of 200 rpm and at a        water bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   Slowly add, and disperse with vigorous stirring, the previously        sieved dronedarone hydrochloride at a speed during addition of        300-650 rpm. After addition, mix for 30 min at a mixing speed of        500 rpm and at a water bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   With an automatic pipette, fill opaque white hard capsules        size 0. Fill the capsules with unit weights. The stirring speed        during distribution is 500 rpm and the water bath temperature is        55-60° C.,    -   After closure, arrange the capsules in the vertical position on        the capsuling machine for solidification at room temperature.

Manufacture of Hard Capsule G2: Procedure:

-   -   Weigh the Gelucire® 44/14 previously melted in the beaker used        for manufacture,    -   Sieve the dronedarone in the form of hydrochloride at 0.315 mm        mesh before weighing,    -   Melt and mix the Gelucire® 44/14 and poloxamer 407, stirring        slowly at a stirrer speed of 200 rpm for about 10 min at a water        bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   Slowly add, and disperse with vigorous stirring, the previously        sieved dronedarone hydrochloride at a speed during addition of        300-650 rpm. After addition, mix for 10 min at a mixing speed of        500 rpm at a water bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   Add 27% sodium hydroxide solution at a stirring speed of 500        rpm. After addition, mix for 30 min at a water bath temperature        of 55-60° C.,    -   With an automatic pipette, fill opaque white hard capsules        size 0. Fill the capsules with unit weights. The stirring speed        during distribution is 500 rpm and the water bath temperature is        55-60° C.,    -   After closure, arrange the capsules in the vertical position on        the capsuling machine for solidification at room temperature.

Manufacture of Hard Capsule G3: Procedure:

-   -   Weigh the Gelucire® 44/14 previously melted in the beaker used        for manufacture,    -   Sieve the dronedarone in the form of hydrochloride at 0.315 mm        mesh before weighing,    -   Slowly add, and disperse with vigorous stirring, the previously        sieved dronedarone hydrochloride at a speed during addition of        300-650 rpm. After addition, mix for 30 min at a mixing speed of        350 rpm and at a water bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   With an automatic pipette, fill opaque white hard capsules        size 0. Fill the capsules with unit weights. The stirring speed        during distribution is 500 rpm and the water bath temperature is        55-60° C.,    -   After closure, arrange the capsules in the vertical position on        the capsuling machine for solidification at room temperature.

Manufacture of Hard Capsule G4: Procedure:

-   -   Weigh the Gelucire® 44/14 previously melted in the beaker used        for manufacture,    -   Sieve the dronedarone at 0.315 mm mesh before weighing,    -   Melt and mix the Gelucire® 44/14 and poloxamer 407, stirring        slowly at a stirrer speed of 200 rpm for about 10 min at a water        bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   Gradually add and dissolve the previously sieved dronedarone in        its base form, stirring vigorously at a speed during addition of        300-650 rpm. After addition, mix for 30 min at a mixing speed of        500 rpm and at a water bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   Gradually add the water, stirring at a stirrer speed of 500 rpm        for about 10 min and at a water bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   With an automatic pipette, fill opaque white hard capsules        size 0. Fill the capsules with unit weights. The stirring speed        during distribution is 500 rpm and the water bath temperature is        55-60° C.,    -   After closure, arrange the capsules in the vertical position on        the capsuling machine for solidification at room temperature.

Manufacture of Hard Capsule G5: Procedure:

-   -   Weigh the Gelucire® 44/14 previously melted in the beaker used        for manufacture,    -   Sieve the dronedarone at 0.315 mm mesh before weighing,    -   Melt and mix the Gelucire® 44/14 and poloxamer 407, stirring        slowly at a stirrer speed of 200 rpm for about 10 min at a water        bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   Add the propylene glycol at a stirrer speed of 200 rpm and at a        water bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   Gradually add and dissolve the previously sieved dronedarone in        its base form, stirring vigorously at a speed during addition of        300-650 rpm. After addition, mix for 30 min at a mixing speed of        500 rpm and at a water bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   With an automatic pipette, fill opaque white hard capsules        size 0. Fill the capsules with unit weights. The stirring speed        during distribution is 500 rpm and the water bath temperature is        55-60° C.,    -   After closure, arrange the capsules in the vertical position on        the capsuling machine for solidification at room temperature.        Manufacture of hard capsule G6:

Procedure:

-   -   Weigh the Gelucire® 44/14 previously melted in the beaker used        for manufacture,    -   Sieve the dronedarone at 0.315 mm mesh before weighing,    -   Melt and mix the Gelucire® 44/14, stirring slowly at a stirrer        speed of 200 rpm for about 10 min at a water bath temperature of        55-60° C.,    -   Gradually add and dissolve the previously sieved dronedarone in        its base form, stirring vigorously at a speed during addition of        300-650 rpm. After addition, mix for 30 min at a mixing speed of        500 rpm and at a water bath temperature of 55-60° C.,    -   With an automatic pipette, fill opaque white hard capsules        size 0. Fill the capsules with unit weights. The stirring speed        during distribution is 500 rpm and the water bath temperature is        55-60° C.,

After closure, arrange the capsules in the vertical position on thecapsuling machine for solidification at room temperature.

The reference hard capsule is produced according to the same protocol asfor capsule G6 with the proportions and the ingredients as indicated inTables 1 and 2 above. The tablet consisting of comparative composition 1as indicated in Table 2 is manufactured according to the usualtechniques for manufacture of dosage forms of this kind.

Hard capsules G7 to G29 are produced according to the same protocol asfor capsule G6 with the proportions and the ingredients as indicated inTables 3 and 4 above.

Evaluation of Dissolution of the Active Principle of the PharmaceuticalComposition in Aqueous Medium while Passing Through the GastrointestinalTract

In order to reproduce the effect of pH on the active principle and inparticular on its dissolution during its passage through thegastrointestinal tract, a gastrointestinal environment was simulated byreproducing the pH of the stomach and then the pH of the intestine witha jump in pH. The dissolution kinetics was investigated using a simplein-vitro dissolution test with a jump in pH.

Principle:

The principle consists of determining the dissolution of the formulatedactive principle by studying its dissolution kinetics at 37° C., firstlyin simulated gastric medium at pH 4, then in simulated intestinal mediumat pH 6.5, in a time interval consistent with the gastrointestinaltract.

Equipment and Method

Equipment: precision balance (Mettler AE200 or AT261), pH meter (Knickor Schott Geräte or Inolab), thermostated Dissolutest 6 or 7 bowls(Sotax AT6 or AT7), 5 μm filter (PALL Versapore 25 mm) with syringe(Terumo), UV spectrophotometer (Gilford Response II or Perkin Elmer) orHPLC (Merck or Agilent).

Dissolution media: The simulated physiological media representative ofthe gastrointestinal tract are obtained from simulated gastric andintestinal fluids recommended by the USP, but used without pepsin orpancreatin.

-   -   simulated gastric fluid—USP (without pepsin):    -   2 g of sodium chloride per 900 ml of distilled water,    -   pH adjusted to 1.2 with concentrated hydrochloric acid (37%),    -   Q.S. 1000 ml with distilled water.    -   simulated intestinal fluid—USP (without pancreatin):    -   6.8 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per 900 ml of distilled        water,    -   pH adjusted to 7.5 with concentrated sodium hydroxide (10 M),    -   Q.S. 1000 ml with distilled water.

The simulated gastric medium of pH 4 is thus obtained by mixing the twosimulated fluids in various proportions, monitoring with a pH electrode.The dissolution medium of the intestinal type is adjusted to pH 6.5 witha few drops of concentrated soda (10M) to simulate passage of the activeprinciple into the beginning of the intestine, without leading todilution.

Method:

-   -   Calibration: Standard solutions of active principle are prepared        in a solvent medium, preferably in the mobile phase or ethanol        or methanol, and then analyzed at the characteristic wavelength        of the active principle. A calibration straight line showing the        concentrations as a function of the optical densities (analysis        by UV spectrophotometry) or of the areas under peak (HPLC        analysis) is then determined. The equation of the straight line        obtained can be used for determining the concentration of        dissolved active principle from measurement of the optical        density or of the area under peak.    -   Dissolution kinetics: The concentration used corresponds to the        dose in 250 ml (i.e. 4 capsules in a 500-ml bowl). The        dissolution kinetics is first investigated in simulated gastric        medium of pH 4 in the dissolution test in bowls thermostated at        37° C., with paddle stirring at 75 rpm, for 1 hour with sampling        at times 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes, then in intestinal medium        with an increase in pH to 6.5 by adding a small volume of        concentrated soda (example: 0.400 ml for 500 ml of medium at pH        4), monitoring with a pH electrode. The kinetics is monitored        for 3 hours with sampling at times 75, 90, 120 and 180 minutes        and each sample is filtered at 5 μm and then analyzed.    -   Analyses: Two methods of analysis can be used depending on the        sensitivity required and the dosage form under investigation: UV        spectrophotometry (for active principle only) or HPLC (for        active principle only or formulated).

The concentration at a time t is determined based on the previouslyestablished calibration. During analysis by UV spectrophotometry, thewhole absorption spectrum is monitored at least at the end of thekinetic study. In addition, the pH of the medium is monitored at the endof the kinetic study.

Results:

The dissolution kinetics of the active principle (expressed aspercentage of product released) as a function of time is plotted, firstat pH 4 (simulation of the gastric medium), then at pH 6.5 (simulationof the intestinal medium) continuously on one and the same curve shownin FIG. 1. The dissolution kinetics was measured in the same conditionsfor the hard capsules G1-G7 and for the reference hard capsule, with thecompositions defined above.

The tablet shows a significant, noticeable improvement in the percentageof active principle released relative to the reference hard capsule butonly in simulated intestinal pH conditions.

Hard capsule G3 containing dronedarone hydrochloride in a matrix oflipid excipient without surfactant shows a significant improvement inthe percentage of active principle released relative to the referencehard capsule or to the tablet with in addition better release in theconditions of simulated gastric pH.

Hard capsule G1 containing dronedarone hydrochloride in a matrix oflipid excipient in the presence of surfactant presents an improvement inthe percentage of active principle released that is very significantrelative to hard capsule G3 and relative to the reference hard capsuleand the tablet.

Hard capsule G2 containing dronedarone base formed in situ in the matrixof lipid excipient from dronedarone hydrochloride shows a verysignificant improvement in the percentage of active principle releasedrelative to the reference hard capsule, to the tablet and to hardcapsule G3.

Hard capsules G4 and G5 containing dronedarone in the form of free basein a matrix of lipid excipient also show a very significant improvementin the percentage of active principle released relative to the referencehard capsule, to the tablet and to hard capsule G3, moreover withbehavior during dissolution equivalent to that of hard capsule G2.

The beneficial effect of the presence of the lipid excipient in theformulations containing dronedarone in the base form or as hydrochloriderelative to the reference hard capsule and to the tablet, in which it isnot present, can be seen from the curves shown in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, it can be seen that there is a very marked improvement inthe percentage of active principle released for the hard capsules thatfurther comprise surfactant in their composition relative to the hardcapsules without it (curve for G1 vs curve for G3 and curve for G5 vscurve for G6).

Moreover, in the case of the formulations containing dronedarone in itsbase form in the matrix, the profile of the percentage of activeprinciple released is rapid from the very first moments in theconditions of simulated gastric pH, in contrast to the formulationcontaining dronedarone hydrochloride, whose release is observed in thebest case at intestinal pH.

Effect of the Proportion of Gelucire 44/14 on the Base Form ofDronedarone

The positive effect of increasing the proportion of Gelucire can be seenfrom the curves shown in FIG. 2.

Effect of the Proportion of Gelucire 44/14 on the DronedaroneHydrochloride Salt

The positive effect of increasing the proportion of Gelucire can be seenfrom the curves shown in FIG. 3.

Effect of the Proportion of Surfactant on the Base Form of Dronedarone

It can be seen from the curves shown in FIG. 4 that the proportion ofsurfactant in a composition according to the invention does not have aneffect on the release of the active principle.

Effect of the proportion of surfactant on the dronedarone hydrochloridesalt

It can be seen from the curves shown in FIG. 5 that the proportion ofsurfactant in a composition according to the invention has a beneficialeffect on release of the active principle with an optimal proportionbetween 10 and 30%.

Influence of the Nature of the Surfactant on the Base Form ofDronedarone and on Dronedarone Hydrochloride

% of % of dronedarone dronedarone base Surfactant HLB HCl at 180 minform at 180 min Pluronic L44 12 49.1 76.38 Chrem RH40 14 59.01 85.3Tween 60 15 58.32 81.12 Polox 407 22 90.49 72.89 Polox 188 29 69.8271.32

It can be seen from the curves shown in FIG. 6 that the kinetics ofrelease of the base form are equivalent regardless of which nonionicsurfactant is used.

It can be seen from the curves shown in FIG. 7 that the kinetics ofrelease of dronedarone hydrochloride have better profiles for an HLBbetween 15 and 25 and more particularly around 22.

Evaluation of Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to quantification of the absorption of themedicinal product. It is related to the fraction of the dose of amedicinal product administered that reaches the general circulation andto the rate at which it reaches it. The bioavailability for oraladministration depends inter alia on digestive absorption and on thefirst-pass metabolism in the intestine and the liver.

Protocol: 12 young subjects in good health receive, either on an emptystomach or during a high-fat meal, a single dose of 400 mg BID ofdronedarone on absorbing the hard capsules G1, G2 or G3 with thecompositions defined above. Blood samples are collected regularly for 48h and the plasma collected is tested by LC-UV methods in order todetermine the plasma concentration of dronedarone as a function of time.

Cmax, Tmax and AUC are measured on the curves thus obtained. The resultsobtained are presented in Tables 4 and 5 below.

Cmax corresponds to the peak plasma concentration of dronedarone.

tmax corresponds to the time to reach Cmax.

AUC corresponds to the area under curve or integral of plasmaconcentration as a function of the time t.

TABLE 5 Hard capsule Hard capsule Hard capsule G1/reference G2/referenceG3/reference Parameters hard capsule hard capsule hard capsule FastingC_(max)* 4.57 8.22 2.57 AUC** 8.41 16.5 3.92 With a meal C_(max)*** 1.511.57 1.20 AUC**** 1.45 1.47 1.22 *Cmax (fasting) corresponds to theratio of the Cmax measured for a hard capsule according to the inventionabsorbed by a fasting patient to the Cmax measured for a reference hardcapsule, absorbed by this same fasting patient. **AUC (fasting)corresponds to the ratio of the AUC measured for a hard capsuleaccording to the invention absorbed by a fasting patient to the AUCmeasured for a reference hard capsule, absorbed by this same fastingpatient. ***Cmax (with a meal) corresponds to the ratio of the Cmaxmeasured for a hard capsule according to the invention absorbed by apatient during a meal to the Cmax measured for a reference hard capsule,absorbed by this same patient during a meal. ****AUC (with a meal)corresponds to the ratio of the AUC measured for a hard capsuleaccording to the invention absorbed by a patient during a meal to theAUC measured for a reference hard capsule, absorbed by this same patientduring a meal.

TABLE 6 Reference hard capsule Hard capsule Hard capsule Hard capsule(with a meal/ G1 (with a G2 (with a G3 (with a Parameters fasting)meal/fasting) meal/fasting) meal/fasting) Cmax ¤ 6.60 2.18 1.26 3.08Meal 16.5 2.83 1.46 5.12 effect ¤¤ ¤ Cmax corresponds to the ratio ofthe Cmax measured for a given hard capsule absorbed by a patient duringa meal to the Cmax measured for one and the same given hard capsuleabsorbed by a fasting patient. ¤¤ Meal effect corresponds to the ratioof the AUC measured for a given hard capsule absorbed by a patientduring a meal to the AUC measured for one and the same given hardcapsule absorbed by a fasting patient.

Results:

The results indicate that in fasting conditions, the bioavailability ofhard capsules G1, G2, G3 according to the invention increasessignificantly compared to the reference hard capsule, capsule G2 beingthe most effective.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the meal effect decreases significantlyfor the hard capsules according to the invention relative to thereference hard capsule, capsule G2 being the one with the lowest mealeffect, of the order of 1.46.

Evaluation of Bioavailability Protocol Treatment and Administration

The dose used is 60 mg/animal regardless of the period/conditioncorresponding to 6 mg/kg (assuming a weight of 10 kg for a dog) and tothe dose of 400 mg used in humans (i.e. about 6 mg/kg for a humanweighing 70 kg).

The conditions of administration are as follows:

-   -   Period while fasting: the animals are not fed in the evening        preceding dosing. Water as well as routine feed (SSNIFFhdH) are        given 1 hour and 4 hours after administration, respectively.    -   Period with feeding: the animals receive 50 g of a high-fat diet        (SSNIFF EF Dog FDA Model high fat) 10 minutes before dosing        (this diet has an energy value of 100 kcal and is composed of        15% proteins, 25% carbohydrates and 50-60% fat). Water and        routine feed for dogs (SSNIFFhdH) are then given 1 hour and 4        hours after administration, respectively.

Pretreatment with pentagastrin is carried out 0.5 h before dosing.Pentagastrin (6 μg/kg, 0.25 mL/kg) is administered intramuscularly andmakes it possible to maintain the animal's gastric pH between 2-3, thussimulating the conditions in humans.

Administration of the capsule is followed by 30 mL of water by gavage,which corresponds approximately to a volume of 240 mL given to a humansubject during a clinical trial.

The treatments are:

Treatment 1: 60 mg of dronedarone hydrochloride in a capsule in fastingconditions, oral route (reference hard capsule) (ref 2)

Treatment 2: 60 mg of dronedarone hydrochloride in a capsule withGelucire and poloxamer 407, in fasting conditions, oral route (=G1).

Treatment 3: 60 mg of dronedarone base form reconstituted in situ fromdronedarone hydrochloride in a capsule with Gelucire and poloxamer 407,in fasting conditions, oral route (=G2).

Treatment 4: 60 mg of dronedarone base form in a capsule with Gelucireand poloxamer 407, in fasting conditions, oral route (=G5).

Treatment 5: 60 mg of dronedarone base form in a capsule with Gelucireand poloxamer 407, in fed conditions, oral route (=G5).

Treatment 6: 60 mg of dronedarone base form in a capsule with Gelucireand without poloxamer 407, in fasting conditions, oral route (=G8).

Treatment 7: 60 mg of dronedarone base form in a capsule with Gelucireand without poloxamer 407, in fed conditions, oral route (=G8).

Samples and Analyses

The blood samples are collected in plastic tubes containing lithiumheparin as anticoagulant, at the following sample collection times:before treatment and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours afteradministration of each treatment.

The plasma concentration of dronedarone is determined using a method ofexploratory analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to a massspectrometer (LC-MS/MS). The lower limit of detection with this methodfor the compounds tested is 0.5 ng/mL.

Expression of the Results

The pharmacokinetic parameters are calculated from the individualconcentrations by a noncompartmental analysis using the WinNonLin 5.2.1software (Pharsight, USA) and using the theoretical sampling times(provided that the actual sampling times do not differ by more than 15%from the theoretical times).

The following pharmacokinetic parameters were measured for eachtreatment:

-   -   Cmax (ng/mL): corresponds to the maximum plasma concentration        observed,    -   t_(max) (h): corresponds to the time observed for obtaining the        maximum concentration,    -   AUC_(last): corresponds to the area under curve or integral of        the plasma concentration as a function of the time t calculated        by the trapezium method from t₀ up to the time corresponding to        the last quantifiable concentration.    -   AUC: corresponds to the area under curve or integral of plasma        concentration as a function of time extrapolated to infinity.    -   T1/2z; terminal elimination half-life

The following parameters were also evaluated:

-   -   relative bioavailability on Cmax and AUC    -   ratio of the meal effect on Cmax and AUC.

Results

TABLE 7 Pharmacokinetic parameters of dronedarone (Mean ± SD (CV %)) ingroup 1 (n = 4 per formulation) AUC_(last) AUC Treatment C_(max) (ng/mL)t_(max) (h)* (ng · h/mL) (ng · h/mL) T_(1/2z) (h) reference capsule with5.73 ± 4.57 (80%) 2.50 (0.50-3.00) 18.9 ± 14.2 (75%) 21.2 ± 14.4 (68%)1.88 ± 0.624 (33%) dronedarone HCl and poloxamer, fasting Capsule withGelucire, 13.5 ± 4.87 (36%) 1.50 (0.50-2.00) 45.0 ± 17.8 (40%) 51.3 ±21.2 (41%) 2.53 ± 0.377 (15%) dronedarone HCl and with poloxamer,fasting capsule with Gelucire, 19.5 ± 13.0 (67%) 1.00 (0.50-1.00) 53.3 ±33.4 (63%) 60.5 ± 35.7 (59%) 2.70 ± 0.762 (28%) dronedarone base formreconstituted and poloxamer, fasting *median (min-max)

TABLE 8 Pharmacokinetic parameters of dronedarone (Mean ± SD (CV %)) ingroup 2 (n = 4 per formulation) AUC Treatment C_(max) (ng/mL) t_(max)(h)* AUC_(last) (ng · h/mL) (ng · h/mL) T_(1/2z) (h) reference capsule7.36 ± 4.83 (66%) 1.00 (0.50-2.00) 21.5 ± 13.9 (65%)  28.1 ± 18.0 (64%)* 3.07 ± 0.153 (5%)* with dronedarone HCl and poloxamer, fasting capsulewith 24.6 ± 14.8 (60%) 1.00 (1.00-2.00) 62.3 ± 34.0 (55%) 69.0 ± 37.7(55%) 2.40 ± 0.535 (22%) Gelucire, dronedarone base form and poloxamer,fasting capsule with 16.9 ± 7.41 (44%) 1.00 (1.00-2.00) 44.0 ± 19.9(45%) 48.0 ± 21.5 (45%) 2.10 ± 0.183 (9%) Gelucire, dronedarone baseform and poloxamer, fed n = 3; *median (min-max)

TABLE 9 AUC Treatment C_(max) (ng/mL) t_(max) (h)* AUC_(last) (ng ·h/mL) (ng · h/mL) T_(1/2z) (h) reference capsule 4.52 ± 3.04 (67%) 1.50(0.50-6.00) 15.3 ± 8.62 (56%) 15.6 ± 7.73 (50%) 2.90 ± 0.794 (27%) withdronedarone HCl and poloxamer, fasting capsule with 15.6 ± 4.99 (32%)1.00 (1.00-2.00) 57.5 ± 11.3 (20%) 66.8 ± 10.1 (15%) 2.68 ± 0.377 (14%)Gelucire, dronedarone base form without poloxamer, fasting capsule with30.7 ± 12.7 (41%) 1.00 (0.50-2.00) 82.8 ± 29.1 (35%) 91.8 ± 31.5 (34%)2.53 ± 0.171 (7%)  Gelucire, dronedarone base form without poloxamer,fed *median (min-max) All the dogs receiving the reference formulationhave similar exposure in fasting conditions regardless of the group.

TABLE 10 Relative bioavailability of dronedarone (%) with 90% CI infasting conditions (using the capsule as reference) Treatment C_(max)AUC_(last) AUC capsule with Gelucire, dronedarone HCl with poloxamer,fasting 274 (120-625) 283 (112-716) 271 (119-613) capsule with Gelucirebase reconstituted with poloxamer, fasting 357 (157-812) 311 (123-785)301 (133-682) Capsule with Gelucire and dronedarone base form withpoloxamer, 339 (159-724) 325 (177-595)  248 (134-459)* fasting Capsulewith Gelucire and dronedarone base form without 401 (230-700) 432(240-778) 500 (273-915) poloxamer, fasting n = 3 for 2B1

All the formulations tested display a higher bioavailability than thereference capsule with a relative bioavailability in the range from 271%to 500% in fasting conditions.

The formulations with Gelucire with dronedarone hydrochloride andreconstituting the base in situ (Frel=301%) showed a higherbioavailability than the reference capsule, as in the clinical testdescribed above.

The formulations with Gelucire using the native base display a relativebioavailability similar to the Gelucire formulation using dronedaronehydrochloride and reconstituting the base in situ when compared with thereference in fasting conditions as indicated by the coverage of theconfidence interval.

The formulations with Gelucire with or without poloxamer show a similarrelative bioavailability with a bioavailability higher by 3 to 5compared to the reference capsule.

TABLE 11 Ratio of the meal effect for the capsule with Gelucire,dronedarone base form with poloxamer Treatment C_(max) AUC_(last) AUCfed/fasting 0.73 (0.35-1.53) 0.71 (0.41-1.23) 0.70 (0.41-1.21)

There is a tendency for a slight decrease in Cmax of 1.4 times when theGelucire capsule with poloxamer is administered with high-fat feed. Thisdecrease is not significant as the 90% CI includes unity.

TABLE 12 Ratio of the meal effect for the capsule with Gelucire,dronedarone base form without poloxamer Treatment C_(max) AUC_(last) AUCfed/fasting 1.93 (1.16-3.21) 1.39 (0.82-2.35) 1.32 (0.81-2.16)

There is a tendency for a positive meal effect when the Gelucire capsulewithout poloxamer is administered with high-fat feed. In fact Cmax isincreased by 1.9 times, AUC_(last) by 1.4 times and AUC by 1.3 times.However, this increase is not significant regarding the AUC as the 90%CI includes unity.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at leastone active principle selected from (i)2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranin the form of base and (ii)2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranin the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; and at least oneamphiphilic lipid excipient with HLB value between 2 and
 20. 2. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranin the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is selected from2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranhydrochloride,2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranfumarate and2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranoxalate.
 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the activeprinciple is selected from2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranin the form of base and2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranhydrochloride.
 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein saidcomposition further comprises at least one surfactant and/or at leastone co-solvent.
 5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein saidamphiphilic lipid excipient with HLB value between 2 and 20 has amelting point below 50° C.
 6. The composition according to claim 1,wherein said lipid excipient is selected from the semi-solid substitutedglycerides, the liquid substituted glycerides, the semi-solidsubstituted polyoxylglycerides, the liquid substitutedpolyoxylglycerides and mixtures thereof.
 7. The composition according toclaim 1, wherein said lipid excipient is selected from the Geluciresmarketed under the brand name Gelucire® 33/01, Gelucire® 39/01,Gelucire® 43/01, Geleol® and Peceol™, the glycerides marketed under thename Labrafac Lipophile® WL1349, the Gelucires marketed under the brandname Gelucire®44/14 and Gelucire®50/13, the polyoxylglycerides marketedunder the brand name Labrafir®M1944CS, Labrafir®M2125CS,Labrafir®M2130CS and Labrasol®, the medium-chain mono- and diglyceridesmarketed under the name Capmul MOM®, propylene glycol monolauratemarketed under the name Lauroglycol® 90 and Capmul PG12®, thecaprylocaproyl macrogol-8 glycerides marketed under the name Labrasol®,the propylene glycol caprylic acid monoester marketed under the nameCapmul® PG-8 and mixtures thereof.
 8. The composition according to claim1, wherein said lipid excipient is selected from the lipid excipientshaving an HLB value between 5 and
 18. 9. The composition according toclaim 8, wherein said lipid excipient is selected from the lipidexcipients sold under the trade name Capmul MOM®, Lauroglycol® 90,Capmul PG12®, Labrasol®, Gelucire® 44/14, Gelucire®50/13 and Capmul®PG-8.
 10. The composition according to claim 1, comprising2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-5-methylsulfonamidobenzofuranhydrochloride, as active principle and/or at least one semi-solidsubstituted polyoxylglyceride as lipid excipient.
 11. The compositionaccording to claim 1, comprising: 1-60 wt % of at least one activeprinciple; 40-99 wt % of at least one lipid excipient; and 0-30% of atleast one compound selected from surfactants, co-solvents, diluents,disintegrants, lubricants, organic or inorganic bases and plasticizers,the percentages being expressed by weight relative to the total weightof said composition.
 12. The composition according to claim 1,comprising: 1-60 wt % of at least one active principle; 40-99 wt % of atleast one lipid excipient, 0-30 wt % of at least one surfactant, and0-29 wt % of at least one co-solvent; the percentages being expressed byweight relative to the total weight of said composition.
 13. Thecomposition according to claim 12, comprising: 1-50 wt % of at least oneactive principle; 45-80 wt % of at least one lipid excipient; 1-20 wt %of at least one surfactant; and 1-20 wt % of at least one co-solvent.14. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the surfactant ishydrophilic and nonionic.
 15. The composition according to claim 12,wherein the surfactant is selected from: ethylene oxide/propylene oxidecopolymers; polyethoxylated castor oils; ethoxylated polysorbates, andpolyethylene hydroxystearates.
 16. The composition according to claim12, wherein the surfactant is poloxamer
 407. 17. The compositionaccording to claim 12, wherein the co-solvent is selected from thealcoholic organic solvents and the glycol derivatives.
 18. A dosage formcomprising a composition according to claim
 1. 19. The dosage formaccording to claim 18, which is in the form of a capsule selected fromhard capsules, soft shell capsules, enteric capsules andmodified-release capsules.
 20. The dosage form according to claim 19,which is in the form of a hard capsule.
 21. The dosage form according toclaim 18, comprising between 50 and 500 mg of active principle.
 22. Thedosage form according to claim 18, comprising between 200 and 400 mg ofactive principle.